Gran: hello. Thank you for the apology and I apologise for my friend stealing parts from your car.

Spanners: Shhh, I told Luke about that but don’t know if he told the others.

Gran: Oh, don’t worry about it. They’ve apologised and that’s awfully civilised of them. So we graciously accept your apology. Hello? … HELLO? … Oh, I say, we accept their apology and they don’t respond. How rude! People today are so ill mannered!!!

Mopey: Gran, you need to take you finger off the mic button.

Gran: Oh, yes…I forgot. Do you think they heard all of th…

Radio silence follows with a rather sheepish old lady blushing furiously!

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 7

Oshawa, Ontario

The crew of the Thunder Taxi had been driving at a reduced pace due to their decision to fit snow chains to their car’s tires, but there was still nothing amiss on the long drive south to Sudbury via Toronto. Meanwhile, they had spent the last few hours admiring the scenery along the route they had taken.

In Oshawa, Chris suggested a voluntary POI stop in Toronto, and after a brief hesitation, settled on a visit to the Ripley’s Aquarium. “It’s right next to the CN Tower, but since all of us have visited it at some point in our lives, why don’t we go to the adjacent Ripley’s Aquarium? I bet none of us have ever been inside it. Do you agree with me? All in favor say aye.”

His teammates immediately responded with an affirmative “Aye.”

“So be it”, Chris continued. “We’ll stop there for an hour to stay fresh, before returning to the road. We should reach Sudbury without much trouble at the pace we’re maintaining.”

And with that, the Thunder Taxi resumed its relentless journey south to the border and beyond.

Team Redneck day 2 12:00-2:00 Dashing through the snow with a big Redneck Sled

Jake and Otis pull off for lunch, and to regather their witts. While there they find out from a local that the roads are usually better further north.

Waiter, “It’s the lake effect snow, its not as strong just north of here”

Jake, “Thats good to know”

They decide to get back on the road instead of waiting it out, Jake is now driving.

The radio comes to life, its the Vandals talking to Harcourt-Entwhistle exchanging appologies.

Luke, “How’s the 4X4 and big V8 treating you guys up there? Our front-wheel-drive and small turbo V6 are pulling us along quite well. Any chance you two know a good place to eat up ahead?”

Otis picks up the mic and hesitates before responding, “We have no troubles getting it to go straight”, after letting go of the button, “its just the turns we have a problem with”.

Otis, “Then continues, we were planning on stopping at the Dynamic Earth, we were looking at stopping at the Beef 'N Bird on the way there. Maybe you guys and Harcourt-Entwhistle would like to join us”

A short while after their apology to Team Harcourt-Entwhistle, the Vandals heard the radio crackle to life again, with a response from Team Redneck.

“We have no troubles getting it to go straight.” Otis said. Luke nodded to himself, then listened as Otis continued with, “We were planning on stopping at the Dynamic Earth, and were looking at stopping at the Beef 'N Bird on the way there. Maybe you guys and Harcourt-Entwhistle would like to join us.”

Luke looked to the other members of the team, who nodded in agreement. “That sounds like a good plan. Count us in for the food.” Luke called back over the radio.

Team Mushroom Cloud
8:00AM - 10:00AM
Bill: “So much white. Soooo, much white…”
Wookiee: “Maybe you should talk less, and concentrate on driving.”
Bill: “It’s my car and I’ll talk if I want to. Besides, shouldn’t you be reading the map?”
Wookiee: “It’s OUR car. And I know which way we have to go.” Points forward.

10:00AM - 12:00PM
Having reached and passed through tunnel, our intrepid explorers… what? They’re not explorers? Oh, sorry, wrong page.
Having reached Toronto, Team Mushroom Cloud headed north to the next waypoint, into the falling snow. Their odds of survival were growing slimmer by the minute…no? FINE!
I refuse to write this time block any further!

12:00PM - 2:00PM
Bill had started to whine (well, duh) about how hard it was to drive in snow.
Toni: “It’s difficult, yes, but YOU two bought this car.”
Bill: “That may be, but YOU entered us in this race.”
Toni: “And you’ve loved every minute so far. I’ve brought you snow, a driving experience, incredible scenery, more bonding time with us…”
Bill: “Blistering cold, poor grip, shit visibility, Wookiee…”
Wookiee: “An opportunity for you to complain more. You should be as happy as a pig in shit.”
Toni: “I think we’re having a great time. And we’ve only got two and a half thousand kays left.”
Bill: “Okay, You’re right. It’s not a terrible adventure, but can we stop somewhere? Like, a museum. I enjoy that stuff.”
Wookiee: Better idea. Seems there’s a chocolate factory in Craighurst. We’ll load up good! There probably a museum in another town. We’ll check in… Coldwater.

With that the team were all back on the same page, and continued the trip.

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

Friday, 2PM - 4PM

VicVictory:
BD: 34 mi OD: 767 mi AT: 29 F FS: Full MRL: +2 FTG: +2 Last Town: Barrie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Waypoint completed: Dynamic Earth. Team has refueled in Sudbury. Team is in the middle of dinner at Peddler’s Pub in Sudbury at the end of the time frame. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

Team Moss Boss

“Alright,” the server beamed as she stepped up to their table, a tray of food hoisted at shoulder level. “Ultimate steak sandwich.”

“Right here,” Kyle said as he leaned back, his mouth watering in anticipation.

“And the mushroom onion swiss burger for you,” she slid the other plate in front of Hank. “You boys want another pitcher of Stack?”

Kyle eagerly glanced at Hank.

“Yes, please,” Hank replied.

“Alright, be right back!”

“I take it we’re staying here a while?” Kyle asked.

Hank nodded, his eyes wandering to the Senators-Sabres game blasting on the TV. “Wouldn’t mind staying and watching for a bit before we get back on the road.”

Kyle sunk his teeth into the sandwich. His mouth was instantly filled with a symphonic burst of flavor. In an almost subvocal grunt, he gave his approval.

Hank’s phone went off. He checked the caller ID, and excused himself to take the call.

The server returned with a fresh pitcher of beer, and Kyle ate the remainder of his sandwich before Hank came back. His face was drained of color.

“What’s wrong, dude?” Kyle asked.

Hank’s jaw slacked, but he couldn’t speak.

“Hank?” Kyle repeated softly.

“My… my marriage is over,” Hank stuttered.

Kyle stared, dumbfounded. “WHAT?” was all he could manage.

“I… Tracie… its’s over.” Hank shook his head. He noticed the beer, poured himself a fresh pint, and took a huge swallow.

“What happened?”

The older cousin shrugged and took another swig. “That was out maid. She called me… the house was supposed to be empty, but she found Tracie inside…” he gritted his teeth and began to growl. “Fucking my goddamn neighbor, Jack.”

Hank reached into his pocket and casually tossed his phone on the table. “Take a look at the last text and let me know if you think that’s a mistake. I mean, unless they were both naked, you know, for no apparent reason, and she tripped and fell on him. Because she’s clumsy. But it’s pretty fucking clear that would be a lie.”

“… Wow. I just… wow, I’m sorry, Hank.”

Hank topped off their beers and began picking at his fries. “Shit happens, right?” Bitterness laced his words.

Team Mountain Pass

Mile after featureless mile continued to fall under our hardy Bogliq’s wheels. Andrew was still dozing and the music was keeping my heart rate nice and calm as I grappled with the unfamiliar conditions. Over the course of the session the snowfall began to lessen resulting in only sporadic flakes hitting the windscreen and no longer hindering forward visibility. I would have attempted to pick up the pace but for our fuel situation; I had calculated that Barrie would be suitable for refueling at and didn’t want to risk binning the car while the rear was so light.

When we reached Barrie I chose to stop at the Shell service station. When I stopped Andrew woke up so I got him to check out the car while I pumped gas…

A: ‘yawns’ “Where are we? How long have I been asleep? Has Turnbull been kicked out yet?”

P: “We’re in Barrie, Ontario, getting fuel and you’ve been asleep for nearly four hours now! And, no, Turnbull is still our prime minister, at least for the moment, but Barnaby’s been caught out rorting again and has resigned…”

A: “Ah OK, thanks for the heads up. Want me to check the fluids while you pump?”

P: “I was just going to ask you to do that! Don’t touch the tyre pressures though as I need the car to handle predictably when we take on all this extra weight”

A: “Will do” ‘salutes’

I brimmed the tank and paid the bill while Andrew did a quick check under the bonnet for any leaks and topped up the washer bottle. Andrew then cleaned all the glass on the car so I’d have better visibility going forward…

P: “All ready to go?”

A: “Yeah, I looked about; no issues and you can see again”

P: “Thanks for that. Man it feels good to be out of the driver’s seat! ‘streeetch’ OK let’s roll”

A: “Where to now?”

P: “Sudbury… Hopefully we’ll make it in the next session, I’m thinking we’ll stop at Sudbury for dinner as well”

A: “Sounds good to me. Sally forth my good man!”

We left Barrie behind and pointed the blue Bogliq north(ish) headed to Sudbury with a full tank of gas and hearts filled with determination to get there without crashing and burning!

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 56 miles
Overall distance: 619 miles
Fuel state: Full
Overall fuel used: 2 tanks
Morale: +0 (+8) The fuel stop allowed us to stretch our legs… For about a minute or three!
Fatigue: +6 (+10) Another couple of hours of disciplined driving has taken its toll.

The two jokers in the back seat looked at each other and gave equally wicked grins before starting in on their next method of annoyance. “One. Two. Three. 99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer. Take one down, pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall…”

To be continued…

Morale: 6 (NC)
Fatigue: 20 (+8) - Who the fuck let them sing that song in the car for TWO HOURS!
Waypoints: 3
Fuel Status: 1/2 tank
Fuel Stops: 2

There was no reaction from Bob or Vince, who had already sensed that it may well be too soon to make another rest stop, although the fatigue from continuous driving was gradually taking its toll. Still, nothing was amiss - for now, at least - and the Thunder Taxi continued its long journey to Sudbury as planned.

While refueling, Jack murmured to himself, “If only there was a way to close the gap to the leaders in these conditions…” before getting back in his car and driving off.

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

Friday, 4PM - 6PM

VicVictory:
BD: 0 mi OD: 767 mi AT: 28 F FS: Full MRL: +0 FTG: -5 Last Town: Sudbury, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team stays off the road for this time period.

@LordLetto
BD: 60 mi OD: 578 mi AT: 28 F FS: LOW MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Toronto, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team removes chains at the end of the time period due to improving conditions. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow, stopping at the end. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

As they approached the Beef and Bird, it didn’t take long for Luke to spot the huge truck that Team Redneck were driving. He parked the Truckling right next to the huge T-25, and the four of them got out and headed inside.

Luke spotted Otis and Jake at a table, and so they settled nearby, giving some space out of respect, but being close enough for casual conversation. Once Amy, Cody, and Jake Storm had settled at the table, Luke opened a leg compartment and took out a roll of fabric. He unrolled it and constructed a chair from the steel tubes within, then stretched the fabric over the steel frame. Spotting Otis giving a questioning glance, Luke answered the unspoken question.

“It’s highly impolite to destroy someone else’s chairs. I weigh 600 pounds, downside of being a re-purposed military robot. I have armor plating that can stop most small arms fire, but that means I’m a bit on the heavy side.” Luke said, before sitting on his constructed chair.

Morale: +8 (+2) - Food and Company, two things that get better when you’re not on the road.
Fatigue: +18 (-2) - We’re not in the Truckling, so we’re not hurting. Also, food!
Waypoints: 4 (+1) - We passed one!
Fuel Status: Full
Fuel Stops: 3

Team Mountain Pass

Nothing much to add from last session since we haven’t reached Sudbury yet. The snow has finally stopped falling so I was able to push on at a greater pace but it didn’t stop the monotony from settling in deep. I’m really looking forward to dinner and I’m really, REALLY looking forward to getting a good night’s rest later on tonight…

But for now all I can do is stare at a snow covered horizon, listen to Andrew gently snore in the passengers seat and pray no-one hits us on account of the slippery conditions!

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 89 miles
Overall distance: 708 miles
Fuel state: 2/3rds full
Overall fuel used: 2 and 1/3rd tanks
Morale: +0 (+8) No change because our situation is unchanged
Fatigue: +8 (+18) We really want a warm meal and a soft bed… but we have to wait for a while longer yet!

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 9

Northbound to Sudbury, Ontario

Jack had kept his cool on the long drive north, having removed the snow chains earlier after the conditions improved. Despite growing fatigue, he persevered, knowing that he could reach Sudbury in short order at the pace he was maintaining. That’s when Chris made another suggestion…

“After our next stop, we should bump our pace up again, to keep those slightly ahead of us within our sight.”

“Sounds like a good idea. That’s assuming we actually get a chance to stop again.”

Vince replied: “This could work. However, our fatigue level is high enough for us to consider making a rest stop in Sudbury instead of further down the road.”

Bob’s response was short and to the point. “We’ll look into it. Now that the light is fading, an early break could come in handy.”

Jack nodded in agreement, and continued to drive north in the direction of Sudbury.

Currently out of town for the week, at best I’ll be able to type small bits on the phone. I’ll do updates after I get back.
I am putting 2000 miles on my 19 year old truck this week so it’s like I am still playing

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 63 mi OD: 963 mi AT: 26 F FS: 2/3 MRL: -4 FTG: +10 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: INCIDENT: Team very nearly has an accident 10 miles before Sault Ste Marie, due to extreme exhaustion. Team has stopped for the night at Howard Johnson Inn in Sault Ste Marie. TEAM IS DELIRIOUS WITH EXHAUSTION.

@cpufreak101
BD: 39 mi OD: 874 mi AT: 27 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Blind River, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team ran too low on fuel and had to use the reserve can. Team has refueled in Blind River. Team has stopped for the night at the Lakeview Inn in Blind River, due to exhaustion. TEAM IS EXHAUSTED.